# Blacktail Hunter vs ElkNut

The clearest difference is rating: ElkNut at 4.3 against Blacktail Hunter's 2.7. ElkNut also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Blacktail Hunter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and ElkNut sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ElkNut holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ElkNut has 260 ratings behind it against 27, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Blacktail Hunter's written reviews are positive against 63% of ElkNut's.

Blacktail Hunter ships an update every 4 months, ElkNut every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Blacktail Hunter | ElkNut |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blacktail-hunter/id1111734338/reviews) | **[4.3 (260 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elknut/id1231479425/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 27 | **260** |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 11 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Howtohunt Outdoors Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1029665323) | [GOT GAME TECHNOLOGIES, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1270297950) |

## What reviewers say

### Blacktail Hunter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blacktail-hunter/id1111734338)

This app provides over 35 years of hunting knowledge for offline use in the field. It offers lessons and streaming/downloadable content from experienced guides to help hunters succeed on public land.

**Highlights:** Offline access to hunting knowledge, Expert guidance from experienced guides, Lessons on hunting techniques, Stream or download content, Public land hunting strategies

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blacktail Deer Pass | $5.99 | per month |
| Blacktail Deer Pass | $10.99 | per 3 months |
| Blacktail Deer Pass | $40.99 | per year |


### ElkNut

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elknut/id1231479425)

Master elk calling and hunting with expert-led video tutorials and audio guides. Learn to produce realistic elk sounds, understand their meaning, and apply proven hunting tactics. Practice your calls with recording and comparison features.

**Highlights:** Expert-led video tutorials, Realistic elk sound guides, 22 common bull and cow elk sounds, 12 included hunting sequences, 22 expert hunting tactics, Audio practice and comparison, On-device recording and analysis

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Pro Content | $14.99 | per year |
| ElkNut Pro | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎯 Excellent elk calling information
- 🎓 Helps improve elk hunting skills
- 🔍 Provides valuable insights into elk behavior
- 📚 Comprehensive elk hunting knowledge
- 🗣️ Detailed explanations of elk vocalizations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Subscription model changes after initial purchase
- 📥 Issues with offline content availability
- 🔁 Inconsistent access to previously purchased content
- 🤖 Technical issues with app updates and functionality
- 💸 Perceived as overpriced for a subscription service

**Reported bugs**

- Recordings randomly deleted from the app
- Menus and settings not fully functional
- Inconsistent performance and content availability

**Requested features**

- Bring back looping playback feature
- Improve offline content access and reliability
- Offer both subscription and one-time purchase options
- Provide better communication and support for customers


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Blacktail Hunter free?

Blacktail Hunter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ElkNut free?

ElkNut is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Blacktail Hunter or ElkNut?

ElkNut is rated higher. Blacktail Hunter averages 2.7 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while ElkNut averages 4.3 from 260 ratings.

### Do Blacktail Hunter or ElkNut have ads?

Neither Blacktail Hunter nor ElkNut shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Blacktail Hunter or ElkNut?

Blacktail Hunter ships an update every 4 months, and ElkNut every 3 weeks. Most recently, Blacktail Hunter was updated on October 24, 2026 and ElkNut on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*